An unexpected setback has delayed plans to open Drumheller’s first naturopathic clinic. It is now expected Hope Clinic, based out of the old St. Anthony’s School, won’t be operational until after Christmas.
    Project leaders were optimistic the clinic would be open at the beginning of November after a naturopathic practitioner was hired in May.
    “When we launched our intentions to open the clinic, our advisors suggested we first recruit professionals to the clinic. We went through an extensive search process. In May, we offered the opportunity to a young lady,” said Jon Ohlhauser, project leader for Hope Health Ventures.
    The practitioner had to write an international accreditation exam to be officially a practioner of naturopathic medicine. Unfortunately, she missed passing the exam by a single point.
    She intended to write again, but had to wait until February 2013 and wouldn’t receive her results until May.
    Hope Clinic was therefore forced to delay opening and resume the search for a naturopathic practitioner.
    “We’ve reopened the search. We interviewed a candidate from Toronto yesterday. We’ll see if there is a fit and if there is, we’ll probably only see a couple months delay. They would have to receive their Alberta licence. It would take about four weeks to get that,” said Ohlhauser.
    Appointments had intended be taken at the beginning of October, but now will be delayed until a practitioner is officially hired.
    “We put the appointments on hold until we find out officially when we’re opening the doors. As soon as we have a candidate and they’ve accepted, we’ll be opening the appointment book. That could happen in the middle of November,” said Ohlhauser.
    The delay in opening the clinic is not expected to affect the proposed start of Hope College.
    “It doesn’t, they’re two separate streams. Even though they have some synergy, they have different timelines. We still expect to open next fall,” said Ohlhauser.
    Those wanting to partake in the new clinic’s services will have to wait a little longer.
    “It was an unexpected curve ball,” said Ohlhauser. “December 1 is the best case scenario, but I would say January 1 is more realistic, because of Christmas.”

    Project Reach and Family Resources in Morrin School are teaming up to offer a new program to girls in Junior High.
    The aim of the program is to give girls the resources they need to build their self esteem and confidence.
    “We’re working together to offer a self esteem program for junior high girls,” said Project Reach worker Katie Pennock. “That’s when we typically see self esteem issues in girls.”
    The genesis of the program occurred last week after Pennock and Norma Jean Minchau, a family resource worker, assessed the school to determine what was needed.
    For girls in Junior High, the age they are at can be a tumultuous time.
    “Junior High girls, it’s a time in their life with lots of change. They’re beginning to develop who they are, they begin to develop an interest in boys, and it’s a time where kids in general develop who they are and their identity,” said Minchau.
    The next step to get the program up and running will be creating a group and activities to help those who attend maintain a positive self image.
    “We are going to start a group once a week where kids can do activities to begin to focus on their self esteem and self concept and build it in healthy ways. We want to give them the power and confidence to make positive choices and stand up for what they believe,” said Minchau.
    The timing of the initiative coincides with the tragic story of Amanda Todd, a B.C. teen who took her own life after being sexually harassed and bullied for years.
    The new initiative is not directly related to the Amanda Todd tragedy, but is aiming to tackle some of the issues that have arisen from it.
    “It’s not specific from Amanda Todd, but tends to be a Junior High issues across the board,” said Minchau. “Part of our discussions will be what do you do if you’re being bullied, or how do you deal with a boyfriend who wants more than what you want. We can give them the skills and telling them their not alone, there are places they can come and ask.”
    Those wishing to learn more or attend can contact Pennock or Minchau at Morrin School, 403-772-3838.
    “Hopefully it’ll provide a group where all kids who join where everyone can feel welcome and safe,” said Minchau.